Question

handout 25-2
student’s name adrian nweke
the call: an elder’s emergency
read the scenario. then, in the space provided, answer the questions that follow.
you have responded to an elderly patient who is having difficulty breathing. when you arrive, you stop at the doorway for a moment to notice the condition of the apartment. it appears to be neat and well cared for.
the patient is a 67-year-old male who is sitting upright in a chair. he has rapid respirations and wheezing. you ask why he has called ems; he responds in short sentences, telling you that he is having trouble catching his breath and that he may be having an asthma attack. your partner tells the patient that she wants to give him oxygen. while she is setting it up, you perform an initial assessment.

1. what is your priority for this patient’s care? explain.
2. why should you note the condition of the apartment?
3. while your partner takes the patient’s vital signs, you gather a sample history. while doing so, you ask him if he is taking any medications. he responds, “can you speak, up, please? i don’t hear so well.” what can you do to solve this problem?
4. when you ask the patient what medications he takes, he says, “i don’t remember.” what can you do to find out this information?

Explanation:

Question 1

The patient has difficulty breathing (rapid respirations, wheezing, trouble catching breath, possible asthma attack). Priority is to improve respiratory function (e.g., assist with oxygen, monitor airway/breathing, manage asthma symptoms) because impaired breathing threatens oxygenation and life; addressing this stabilizes the patient’s condition.

Noting the apartment’s condition (neat/well - cared - for here) helps assess safety (e.g., hazards, access), living situation (e.g., self - care ability, support), and potential triggers (e.g., allergens, environmental factors for asthma). A neat apartment may indicate good self - care, while a messy one could suggest neglect or hazards.

The patient has hearing difficulty. To solve this, speak louder, face him (so he can lip - read), use simple clear words, or get closer to ensure he hears your questions about medications. These actions accommodate his hearing impairment to gather the needed history.

Answer:

Priority: Improve the patient’s respiratory function (e.g., ensure oxygen delivery, monitor airway/breathing, manage asthma symptoms). Explanation: The patient has difficulty breathing (rapid respirations, wheezing, trouble catching breath, possible asthma attack), so addressing respiratory distress is critical to prevent hypoxia and stabilize his condition.

Question 2